Paper Example - Understanding Depression: Effects, Global Insights, and Lessons for Mental Well-being

Introduction

Depression is a mood disorder characterized by feelings of sadness, anger, or loss that affect a person's day-to-day activities. Although occasionally feeling down is normal, if one frequently feels hopeless, they could be dealing with depression. Depression is a medical condition that can advance if not adequately treated (Riemann et al., 2020). The good news is that those who opt to seek treatment can begin to recover as soon as after a few weeks. Apart from feeling sad, a depressed person can be affected by their mood or body. These effects may be ongoing, or they may occasionally come and go.

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Negative Effects of Depression

Although depression is a mental disorder, it affects a person physically, mostly if left untreated. A depressed person may be preoccupied with the thought of hurting themselves and, in worst-case scenarios, suicide ideation. Depression can lead to a sleep-deprived person because of insomnia caused by being kept up at night by thoughts or the inability to calm the mind. Cognitive changes may occur when a depressed person has memory loss or difficulties in making decisions, hence failing to carry out their daily activities alone (Riemann et al., 2020). Loneliness is likely to engulf a depressed person, and they may feel guilty that they are a burden because they need help carrying out activities. The stress caused by too many thoughts puts a depressed person at risk of dying of a heart attack. Depressed people may turn to drug abuse for consolation, risking their health further. The general effects on one's health lower body immunity and increase the possibility of diseases attacking the person.

Positive Effects of Depression

The positive side of depression is that a depressed person is likely to think more critically than an average person. The way people think is expected to change with depression, breaking down difficult tasks into simpler versions that are easy to carry out. Solving some social problems like dealing with a cheating partner may be performed better by a depressed person. Also, depression makes a person more focused on a specific issue that may be bothering them. When one focuses on a particular problem, it may be easier to deal with it effectively. The urge to be alone, lack of sleep, and lack of energy reinforce a person's focus.

Number of People Suffering from Depression Globally

In January 2020, the World Health Organization published the findings of research that showed global statistics on depressed people. Two hundred sixty-four million people of all ages are depressed (Mental Disorders, 2020). Depression is the leading cause of depression globally and the main contributor to the general international burden of disease (Mental Disorders, 2020). Approximately 800,000 people die every year because of depression. Similarly, depression is the second leading cause of death among 15-29 year-olds.

Solving Depression

To solve depression, one should exercise through 15-30 minutes of brisk walking daily, jogging, dancing, and bike riding, among other ways. Although one may not be in the mood to be active, it is essential to find motivation because exercise changes the mood. Depression can affect appetite. Therefore, one must make conscious efforts to eat a balanced diet because proper nutrition affects a person's mood and energy. Depression brings about the need to stay quiet. However, trying to notice good things and express feelings through words or drawing may be an excellent way to fight depression. Finally, not dwelling on the problem after identifying it will help move on from the causes of depression.

Lessons from Depression

Depression teaches people lessons on the importance of maintaining our mental health. Effectively dealing with stressful issues before they get out of hand can save one from slipping into depression. The disorder also reminds us to be emotionally available for our loved ones so that they do not have to feel lonely and rejected. Finally, depression teaches us to seek professional help early in advance if we feel emotionally overwhelmed.

References

Riemann, D., Krone, L. B., Wulff, K., & Nissen, C. (2020). Sleep, insomnia, and depression. Neuropsychopharmacology, 45(1), 74-89.

Mental disorders. Who.int. (2020). Retrieved 11 December 2020, from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-disorders.